VF Corporation - Senior Key Account Manager - Milan

The North Face EMEA is looking for an exceptional Senior Key Account Manager to join our Sporting Goods Sales team based in Milan and/or Pederobba (TV), Italy.

The North Face is part of the VF family. VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It's the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling.

The North Face is the premier exploration company in the world. We spark curiosity. We dare to disrupt. We create communities. And we lead with integrity. We are a community of explorers and are constantly looking for new ideas, places and people to connect with.

Let's Talk about the Role

You will have the ultimate end responsibility for managing the Italian portfolio of the Sporting Goods Key Accounts, leading and developing all sales and brand elevation opportunities. The primary goal is to ensure that all seasonal and yearly quantitative and qualitative objectives are met and aligned to the overall EMEA channel strategy.

You will have the exciting opportunity to shape the Brand future in one of our strategic key distribution channel.

How You Will Make a Difference

You will achieve this by:

• Developing and build strong strategic partnerships with relevant accounts.

• Owning & leading the strategic account plan, ensure complete execution and align seasonal initiatives to the overall EMEA GTM strategy.

• Strong ability to leverage in-depth market knowledge and analysis to define strategic priorities and identify key growth opportunities, both qualitative and quantitative.

• Driving the in-store Brand presence, to ensure excellent Brand consumer awareness, connection and experience

• Leading the development and implementation of account specific marketing plans.

• Lead and develop a small team across multiple markets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and effective execution

• Planning, controlling and executing activities to hit the required sales and qualitative targets

• Driving the seasonal selling 'Go to Market' process.

• Driving the assortment planning process within the defined distribution policy with the account, to ensure market differentiation, in order to build the base for future sustainable profitable growth.

• Drive profitable and sustainable market-share growth, developing seasonal accounts plans (assortments, forecasts and scenario plans) driven by an in-depth category, account, brand and marketplace knowledge

• Drive an effective marketplace differentiation ensuring brand distribution and segmentation policies are respected

• Ensure a smooth internal flow of communication on assigned accounts by providing constant updates to main stakeholders on business results, needs, opportunities and relationship status

Skills for Success

Our ideal candidate will have deep understanding of the brand as well as an affinity with the brand's key drivers: outdoor and performance culture and activities with:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of the Lifestyle industry and its distribution in Italy

• Strong influencing skills with the ability to operate effectively within a complex matrix organisation

• Ability to work at a strategic level with the accounts while maintaining strong control over executional detail.

• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills

• Experienced in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Strong analytic skills

• Ability to prioritise and plan effectively

• A proactive "Hands on" approach

• Fluent in English

A formal education and subsequent University Bachelor or Master's degree in Economics are nice to have, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.

VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It's the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling. Learn more at vfc.com

What's in it For You

We're in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That's why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we're the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do

• An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together

• Be part of an iconic outdoor and lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization

• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands

• Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks

Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.

If you liked what you have read and want to join our team then we would be keen to hear from you!

Due to the high volume of candidates we receive, we will only contact successful candidates for the interview stage